A cauldron of culture
Pauline M. Forte takes a peek into some of the exhibitions and fairs taking place during the 15th Dubai Shopping Festival
The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence hosts an eclectic series of entertaining activities during DSF. From a heritage village and a fairground to shopping kiosks and jazz concerts, The Walk will be an attractive venue for adults and children alike until February 28.
Heritage Village
Visitors will enjoy walking through the exhibitions that reflect the local heritage. They can have a falcon sit on their arm, visit a pearl exhibition or try horse riding. For a taste of Emirati cuisine, head to where local women make Arabian sweets and weave baskets and carpets. Henna painting and Arabic calligraphy are also part of the display. A majlis treats guests to Arab hospitality. The Heritage Village, located next to the Hilton Hotel and open daily from 5-10pm, is lined with bazaars. A stage hosts traditional performances. Other shows include the Al Hadher mock wedding ceremony and the mock Bedouin-wedding ceremonies.
The World of Jazz
The first instalment of the Dubai International Jazz Festival is taking place at The Walk until February 9, with an impressive line-up of live performances by both local and international jazz musicians. Among the local bands scheduled to perform at the event are Jino Kim and Speculative Play, the newest progressive jazz-fusion group of Dubai featuring musicians from different parts of the world, and Marwan and The Mojos, known for their performance of a versatile repertoire since 2003. Rachael Calladine and Fairplay Project and Anthony Strong are two of the international bands scheduled to perform at the World of Jazz. The concert will take place from 7-11pm.
Covent Garden Market
Located near the dining shops, this market offers an alternative to Dubai's malls and showcases the work of 50 artists, jewellery makers, fashion designers and artisans. Reminiscent of European street markets, this open-air venue gives visitors a chance to buy gifts, jewellery, paintings, fashion and exotic ware while they enjoy street entertainers at a seafront location. The market is located between the Hilton and the Sheraton hotels and is open until the end of April, every Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm-midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10am-9pm.
Fun Fair
Families looking for thrills can head to the fun fair area, where numerous rides and games are on offer, including a Ferris wheel, rollercoasters, dodgem cars, water rides and inflatable rides. The fun fair also has redemption games, where guests can win goodies and toys. The fair, located next to the Sheraton Hotel, is open daily from 4-11pm.
Kiosks
Visitors looking for a bit of shopping at The Walk can browse through various kiosks selling trendy clothes, jewellery, accessories, decorative items, artworks, beauty products and toys. The market also has on offer caricature making, face painting and book colouring.
